How to Start a Nonprofit in New York

Everything you need to incorporate a nonprofit in New York — filing requirements, fees, board minimums, and direct links to state agencies.

$75

State Filing Fee

Minimum Board Members

$350

Minimum Total Cost

Step-by-Step: Start a Nonprofit in New York

1Define Your Mission & Recruit a Board

New York requires a minimum of 3 board members. Write a clear mission statement and recruit directors who are passionate about your cause. See How to Write a Mission Statement and Board Requirements.

2Write Your Bylaws

Draft bylaws covering board structure, officer roles, meeting requirements, conflict of interest policy, and dissolution clause. The IRS requires a copy with your Form 1023. See How to Write Bylaws.

3File Articles of Incorporation

File with the Department of State — Division of Corporations. Fee: $75. Processing: 7-14 business days. Online filing available.

File with New York Department of State

Your articles must include IRS-required purpose and dissolution clauses. See What to Include.

4Get Your EIN

Apply online at IRS.gov — free and instant during business hours (Mon-Fri, 7am-10pm ET).

Apply for EIN at IRS.gov

5Apply for 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status

File Form 1023-EZ ($275, 2-4 week approval) if your gross receipts are under $50K/year, or the full Form 1023 ($600, 3-6 months) for larger organizations.

File at Pay.gov Form 1023 Prep Checklist

6New York State Registrations

State Tax Exemption: Required — file with Department of Taxation and Finance. Apply

Charitable Solicitation: Required — register with Attorney General — Charities Bureau. Fee: $25. Register

Annual Report: Free — filed with Department of State.

7Set Up Accounting & Operations

Open a bank account, set up fund accounting, and start tracking donations from day one. Alignmint is free for nonprofits under $100K in annual donations — includes fund accounting, donor CRM, volunteer management, and AI features.

Cost Summary: Starting a Nonprofit in New York

Expense	Cost	Required?
New York incorporation fee	$75	Yes
IRS Form 1023-EZ	$275	Yes*
IRS Form 1023 (full)	$600	If needed
EIN	Free	Yes
Charitable solicitation registration	$25	Yes
Registered agent (optional)	$100-300/yr	Optional
Accounting software (Alignmint Starter)	Free	Effectively yes
Total (minimum)	$350

*Most small nonprofits qualify for Form 1023-EZ ($275). Use the full Form 1023 ($600) if gross receipts exceed $50K/year.

Get a Detailed Cost Estimate →

Not ready for your own 501(c)(3) in New York?

Fiscal sponsorship lets you start fundraising in weeks instead of months. InFocus Ministries handles the legal structure and compliance.

Learn About Fiscal Sponsorship Take the Eligibility Quiz

Looking for local resources? The Nonprofit New York provides networking, training, and advocacy for nonprofits in New York.

New York Note: New York requires attorney general approval for incorporation of certain types of nonprofits. The certificate of incorporation must be filed in the county clerk's office first.

Frequently Asked Questions — New York

How much does it cost to start a nonprofit in New York?

Where do I file articles of incorporation in New York?

How many board members do I need for a nonprofit in New York?

Do I need to register for charitable solicitation in New York?

How long does it take to start a nonprofit in New York?

Free Tools for New York Nonprofits

Interactive tools tailored to New York's requirements.

New York Startup Checklist Cost Calculator Schedule Free Setup